Glossary of Terms

The following glossary of terms was created to help you better understand some of the words and terms you may hear and see during the restoration process. Please review them and as always call us with any questions.

Acid Smoke - Fire residues that have high levels of acidity.

Addendum - A written or graphic change added to a contract.

Actual Cash Value (ACV) - The amount of money it takes to restore the dwelling to its condition
before the fire.. ACV is determined by the cost of materials and labor the time of the loss, less depreciation

Additional Living Expense(ALE) - Expenses that are above the normal living expense you incurred before the loss. ALE is typically 20% of the insured amount. The expenses you incurred immediately following the catastrophe apply, such as hotel, meals, replacement of medications etc. Temporary housing and temporary furnishings are also covered.

Adjuster - An individual who negotiates insurance losses.

Alligatoring - The splitting or cracking of paint film in a pattern resembling the rectangles of an alligator skin.

Allowance - Funds paid as reimbursement.

Anti-Microbial - Destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.

Arbitration - The binding resolution of disputes by a netural party or persons as an alternative for litigation.

Bearing - That portion of a beam, truss, or other structural member, which rest on the supports.